Description

RUBY & ZOISITE

Ruby on ZoisiteMundarara Mine, Arusha Region, Tanzania

Over sixty-five years ago, a couple of prospectors searching the
"bush," not far from Mt. Kilimanjaro, stumbled upon a weathered
outcrop littered with loose Ruby crystals. After exposing the
surface of the deposit, it was determined that where you
were in the deposit affected the type of Ruby you could
expect to find. Rubies of various sizes, shapes, and levels of
color and transparency, were subsequently discovered and their
relative positions noted. Most of the material that has been
recovered, since that time, has been of carving and cabochon grade
with a much smaller percentage being suitable for faceting, but
when the production is as significant as this deposit has proven to
be, even a small percentage adds up to unreal levels of value.
Production from the deposit can literally be measured in
tons. That being the case, the tonnage recovered is still
only made up of individual crystals, frozen in their bright green
Zoisite matrix. Out of all the crystals mined only a very few
weighed more than a couple of kilos. The single crystal in matrix,
offered here, weighs an astounding 100.5 pounds (45.6 kg).
Great weight aside, the giant, 16 inch (40.6 cm), crystal shows the
deep and even color consistent with the highest grade of lapidary
Ruby, and accordingly has been carefully hand-shaped and polished,
into a shining, unique example of lapidary art. To properly display
the gorgeous aesthetics of the piece, a bespoke wrought metal stand
was commissioned by the owners. It is included in the lot. Overall
condition is pristine for the Ruby and the stand.Overall Measurements: 16.0 x 7.0 inches (40.6 x 17.8 cm)

Condition Report*:

Condition report available upon request.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders.
Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation,
warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or
less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.